Saratoga News Photograph by George Sakkestad Ron Bell (left) shares thoughts about his stepson, Scott Greenly, along with Captain Jim Baker, San Jose commander of the California Highway Patrol. Highway dedication honors fallen officer Portion of Highway 85 bears Greenly's name By Michelle Alaimo Exactly one year to the day that California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer Scott M. Greenly was run down during a routine traffic stop on Highway 85, a section of the freeway in Saratoga was named in his honor. Newly installed signs have been erected only yards from a makeshift memorial strewn with pinwheels and flowers under the Saratoga Avenue exit sign on northbound Highway 85. The name change became official on Jan. 7 for the highway segment between Quito and Prospect roads. An official dedication ceremony at West Valley College brought more than 100 law enforcement officials and family members. Assemblyman Jim Cunneen was instrumental in the name change after authoring a bill last year at the CHP's request. He said that he thought the memorial freeway was important to remind drivers of the "native son" who died in the line of duty. Cunneen said the signs will further remind the community of Greenly's sacrifice. Saratoga vice mayor Stan Bogosian echoed Cunneen's sentiments. "It will remind us every day of the efforts Scott Greenly and other highway patrolmen make," Bogosian said. Greenly, 31, was making a routine traffic stop when the accident occurred. He had given a driver a verbal warning for tailgating and then reached inside the car to pet her dog before walking away. Without warning, the Los Gatos native was struck by an impaired driver, Peter Wieland of Santa Cruz. Wieland's car dragged Greenly 200 feet down Highway 85 before stopping. Wieland was allegedly found to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the accident. Wieland is still awaiting trial at the Santa Clara County main jail. Greenly's stepfather, Ron Bell, said his stepson loved his job and had joined the CHP in 1995. "He lost his life doing something he loved to do," Bell said, while fighting back tears. "He was in a place he loved, and he gave his life for it." [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, January 13, 1999. ©1999 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.